But because I have had a few clients come visit Urban Worm HQ, I want to showcase what an ASP can do in terms of waste management. An aerated static pile is both the simplest and most inexpensive way to compost any large volume of organic material. Now, you may have put a lot into your worms in the beginning. I visited this facility in early 2019.and wow! You could also experience short circuits where the air fights its way through the core or up the sidewalls, allowing an easy escape for the air behind it. O2Compost specializes in assisting owners of existing turned windrow operations to convert over to Aerated Static Pile Composting. Soyour high-nitrogen waste still needs a carbon source like wood chips, wood pellets, etc to raise the C:N in order to be composted effectively. But the challenge with an indoor system is the moisture generated by the composting process. Do you have any comments, observations or recommendations about the noise level and how to dampen it? We want to learn more about your project goals. I have to say, it wouldnt surprise me if the ambient temperature were kept high enough in the barn due to the ASPs. Additionally, the aeration system itself can deliver airflow in various modes: positive (bottom up), negative (top down), reversing (alternating direction) and/or recirculating. New York State Regulations Composting operations in New York State are regulated by 6 NYCRR Part 361-3.2 in one of three ways: exempt, registered or permitted. Even if the odor werent an issue, nearby neighbors might not appreciate the hourly blowing of the fan. It also maintains the population and diversity of beneficial oxygen-consuming bacteria and has the benefit of controlling the foul odors that anaerobic composting emits. Aerated static pile composting is a form of thermophilic composting accelerated and managed through the pushing (positive pressure) or pulling (negative pressure) of air through the composting pile. Its not very green; its actually costing more energy to process the compost. Too much aeration over-cools the pile and slows the process down. But validating aerated static pile composting as a method to prepare waste for the CFT was a must.). Do you mix the grain and woodchips together or layer the two? Forcing air into the compost pile increases aeration, therefore decreasing odors and decreasing the pile turning frequency. There is envirwag that is doing a turning system in a cement mixer that I just discovered. But if you have more questions than answers about composting, we can help. Because of the decreased compost cycle time, an ASP can be a space-efficient way to compost large volumes of waste fairly quickly. Steve. [2] The process required 30 days to finish without turning, with 10 metric tons of compost (10 piles) obtained each time. ECS aerated static pile systems (ASP) can offer the following standard features depending on your operation needs: The aeration system distributes air through the biomass to enhance composting conditions. Would like to see if you have info on the amount of airflow needed for a given volume of compost. phone: (201) 848-9699 | lincolnlandscape@gmail.com. But it hasnt come without some lessons learned. Compost produced through the ASP system was similar in quality and maturity to the product from normally managed windrows after 30 days. Mid Valley Disposal is currently seeking applications to join our Composting Operations Team as a Compost Operations Manager. Ive been thinking a small ASP may be a starting point for a community-based precomposting for VC feedstock (much like yours but for food scraps). The air is delivered on a preset schedule that can be tweaked according to the wishes of the operator, but a typical cycle is 30 seconds on, 30 minutes off. The schedule 40 and SDR 45 pipes come either solid or with holes. Seattle, Washington 98199. How about investing in a small PHoto voltaic panel to covert solar to electric to power your ASP, etc. In the most basic terms, an aerated static pile has 5 components: The blower and timer I received from O2 Compost is a simple bounce house blower and an analog cycle timer with simple dials to allow you to control the on/off cycle to your liking. then that would be green! Proudly Powered by The Pixel Pantry. Alternate between layers of greens and browns, ensuring your scraps are covered well by browns to not attract pests | Learn More > Step 5: Maintain your pile. However, aerated static pile composting requires MSW Collection Transfer Transport Treatment The pile is covered with a fabric which is impermeable to water. -minimizes the footprint and associated costs Various composting types, including windrow system (Chaher et al., 2021), forced aeration composting, aerated static pile (Michel et al., 2022) and in-vessel composting (Pottipati et al., 2022 . $80,000 to $100,000 Yearly. Hey Rebekah, Glad to have you get this off your chest! Aerated static pile composting is good for colder climates where you might not otherwise be able to do year-round outdoor composting. Facebook Twitter YouTube LinkedIn. Yes, we are definitely going to tinker with that very idea. This includes all manner of organic waste and food waste that is high in nitrogen. Because the oxygen is more or less involved in the composting process, it is also called aerated static pile composting or aerobic static composting. Aerated systems are normally found in large-scale operations, including farms and composting facilities. It diffuses the air and delivers a more uniform air flow to the entire pile. Join our newsletter to hear periodic updates on compost science and our latest projects. Solution forced air into the bins. A large factor in this cost is leveling and preparing an area to place the system. Vermicomposting This method uses worms to degrade materials. can handle wetter compost than traditional composting, can compost large amounts of compost in a small area, easy to maintain moisture and oxygen levels, and, therefore, the temperature of compost, dry out faster than other compost methods and require careful monitoring, requires extra materials (finished compost, compost fleece, or mulch). Fortunately, ECS has developed some cold weather techniques to facilitate semi-optimized process conditions even during harsh winters. This would be better on a large scale, however, again, its not green. Steve. Reasoning: My worm bin is six pallets tied together with zip ties. But I still struggle to keep the condensation from pooling inside the fan which could reduce its lifespan. This caused condensate to form inside the manifold and collect in the fan section, which would have severely shortened the life of our fan. Participants will learn more about the composting, construction, demolition, and inert recycling process . However I live in an urban area (houses are touching each other) and was concerned about the noise generated by the blower, especially at night. But electricity is not necessary for worms, neither is light. Air is circulated through the compost with either positive or negative air pressure, speeding up compost time by balancing the oxygen and moisture needs of the mixture. Static pile composting is a number of systems to biodegrade organic material without physical manipulation during primary composting. (Note: The ASP I am operating is not large-scale. In fact, its tiny. All aeration components in contact with the composts corrosive exhaust air-stream are made from stainless steel or polymeric materials. And the air typically delivered by perforated pipe or pipes at the bottom of the pile keeps the pile oxygenated which expedites the normal composting process. Also, I treat them to some nice poop, thats free and organic. Aerated Static Pile (ASP) composting, refers to any of a number of systems used to biodegrade organic material without physical manipulation during primary composting. sweet little 4-in inline ducted fan made by Cloudline, How to Measure Moisture Content in Compost and Vermicompost, Water Content of Fruits and Vegetables: Vermicomposting 101, Complete Guide to Continuous Flow Vermicomposting | Urban Worm Company, Vermicomposting: The Ultimate Guide for the Beginner and Beyond, 5 Good Reasons to Start a Commercial Worm Farm. Here are some examples where we have helped deliver systems within customer defined budgets. 4220 24th Avenue West The Grand Opening of Northern Recycling's Covered Aerated Static Pile Composting and Construction, Demolition, and Inert sorting facility will be held on Wednesday, September 28, from 9 to 10 am, located at 44090 County Rd 28H in Woodland. Aerated static pile composting uses airflow to reduce the time it takes to compost large amounts of waste and lessening unpleasant odors. This happened about 7 days into the thermophilic heating period which ought to last 21 days or so. I started a single bin with a 6 minutes on, 60 minutes off schedule, which was way too long to run the blower. Aerated systems also facilitate the use of biofilters to treat process air to remove particulates and mitigate odors prior to venting. Our systems feature dynamically controlled aeration with a wide range of air delivery rates required to keep oxygen and temperature at Best Measurement Practice levels throughout the pile. ASP piles generally stay in place for about 14 to 28 days until temperatures drop or their moisture levels become so low as to limit effective composting. I feed them all kinds of crap and collect leaves during the fall for their bedding, and disperse it over the year. It also reduces the escape of any foul odors that may emanate in the crucial first few days of the composting cycle. Anaerobic Anaerobic composting does not require the addition of oxygen, nor does it requre turning. Our dedication to continuous improvement has led to ASP designs that simplify construction, provide uniform distribution of air, are uniquely effective at controlling leachate, facilitate maintenance, simplify operations, and will run reliably for decades. The aerated static pile method takes the piped aeration system a step further, using a blower to supply air to the composting materials. Steve, looking at your setup, I would say your startup for that is a lot more. It may be in windrows, open or covered, or in closed containers. ASP is a hot composting method that uses the purposeful movement of air through waste materials to make them compost rapidly, even in a small space. ASP is a hot composting method that uses the purposeful movement of air through waste materials to make them compost rapidly, even in a small space. Aerated static pile The ASP method is a versatile approach to composting. These systems are fixed rate, variable rate and automated rate of aeration control. ECS strives to understand our customers target markets and stability goals to help us develop correctly sized systems. At this point, the pipes are pulled out by a loader and the compost is cured and screened for sale. In-vessel composting can also refer to aerated static pile composting with the addition of removable covers that enclose the piles, as with the system in extensive use by farmer groups in Thailand, supported by the National Science and Technology Development Agency there. Cost is one of the main factors in determining the type of compost system that is right for you or whether you want to begin composting in the first place. ECS CompTroller is an automated aeration control and monitoring system that is operating at all ECS compost installations. This is a tricky problem. All ASP systems work exactly the same way. i have and waste lots of pig poop. The distance of the fan allows the hot vapor to cool and become liquid, while the tee is effective in trapping the moisture before it can pool in the fan. I like that you utilized the composite lumber. Since this ASP is in the same proximity as your CFT- would it be feasible to direct some of that exhaust heat and moisture to the CFT? It may be in windrows, open or covered, or in closed containers. I had enough space for two large bins or three smaller ones. Your email address will not be published. Learn more here. Aeration involves the replacement of oxygen deficient air in a compost pile with fresh air containing oxygen. Whether you are looking for an option to recycle your organic waste or you simply want to improve the conditions of your existing compost pile, you may want to consider aerated static pile composting. A top resource for ASP plans, training, and equipment especially for the small operator is O2 Compost, in Snohomish, WA. The CompTroller is remotely accessible via the web and is flexible, robust, and keeps your data safe. I wanted to enquire about blower noise. The composting materials are piled on a wood chip base with perforated PVC pipe running through the base and a 1 HP air pump which works for 1-2 minutes every hour. First, youll need to decide on the type of composting that will work for you. Water savings from the aerated static pile system averaged around 20 percent, and the footprint needed for the ASP system is some 55 percent smaller than that required by windrows. Composting organic waste is a simple and effective method to maximize positive environmental . I know I have. What are the disadvantages of compost manure? The ASP concept is simple: Place perforated pipes on the ground that are connected to a blower to push (positive) or pull (negative) air through the compost. Aerated static pile composting allows for all types of organic waste to be mixed together into one large pile. I purchased $40 of mixed earthworms and red wigglers to throw into my new home for them. SG's aerated static pile design has lower energy consumption compared to negative aeration, reverse aeration and timed positive aired systems. Thanks for the advice I will put put it to good use. The most common configuration is an Aerated Static Pile (ASP), followed by In-Vessel and Aerated Turned Pile (ATP) systems. I wondered if you knew what the airflow is for your blower. Aerated static pile (ASP) composting, using negative aeration and simple timer motor controls, was developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Beltsville Agricultural Research Center in the 1970s in support of exploring the beneficial uses of sewage sludge. We develop large compost facility projects including in-floor aeration, Turned Aerated Piles TAP, Aerated Static Piles ASP, and in . I am not and likely never will be a large-scale vermicomposter. Negative pressure, where air is pulled through the compost rather than pushed, is primarily used in larger operations. It can be combined with aerobic composting to speed up the process even more. Also, do you find that you need to add additional ingredients/supplements to improve the compost quality? The aeration grid is usually made of 100- to 150-mm (4- to 6-in.) . Aeration can also be affected by wind, moisture content, and porosity. 122K subscribers Static aerated composting (aka an aerated static compost pile or ASP) is a system by which the composter does not need to turn the compost, but rather uses pipes. Materials produced can be used to Build Healthy Soils and a healthy ecological environment in a variety of ways. I would run the system for at least 4-5 weeks *and* until the temperatures start trending downwards. The systems of aeration control currently available for "Aerated Static Pile" composting are reviewed. The main disadvantages of composting are the following: Windrow and aerated static pile composting require relatively large areas, and odor control is a common problem. There are several clear benefits of aerated static pile composting: When compared to other composting techniques, ASP has its disadvantages as well: Surprisingly, only a few supplies are needed to build a simple ASP composter, and these same components are found in systems of any size. Aerated static pile composting does not require turning, so it is not as physically demanding as traditional composting for individuals. I like and understand the minimalist approach to worm composting. Aerated static piles offer process control for rapid biodegradation, and work well for facilities processing wet materials and large volumes of feedstocks. Air enters the mixture through a series of pipes and loosely piled bulking agents. The aerated static pile method takes the piped aeration system a step further, using a blower to supply air to the composting materials. Full-Time. And in order to produce a consistent feedstock for my CFT, I knew I needed a manageable way to produce compost from a consistent source, in this case, horse manure from a nearby stable. asp will fix that . It is concluded that only the automated aeration system can actually cater for the dynamic nature of the composting process. How long would I run the system like this for? Aerated static piles require less maintenance than Windrow composting. Step 4: Add greens and browns. You can rely on ECS aerated static pile (ASP) compost systems to be an efficient tool to control odors and make great compost. Aerated static pile composting produces compost relatively quickly (within three to six months). Types of Waste and Waste Generators: Aerated static piles are suitable for a relatively homogenous mix of organic waste and work well for larger quantity generators of yard trimmings and compostable municipal solid waste (e.g., food scraps, paper products), which might include local governments, landscapers, or farms. Once our team has received your request, we will start working on your custom composting solution. The ASP System is ideally suited for facilities that manage large volumes of livestock manure, yard debris, food scrap waste and other challenging feedstock materials. ASP facilities can be under roof or outdoor windrow composting operations, or totally enclosed in-vessel composting, sometimes referred to tunnel composting. The piles also can be placed over a network of pipes that deliver air into or draw air out of the pile. However, they are easy to assemble and offer a hands-off option for individuals as well. While not a problem in an open-air environment, releasing hot vapor into a wooden barn could spell disaster for the structure in the long run. The barn is already built into the side of a hill, so we already have some geothermal effect going on. It can take a year or more, it stinks, and it increases the risk of producing bacteria. Read the full report PDF . Learn more below, or contact us to schedule a visit and 'smell the difference'. A biofiltration, or bio layer is a simple covering of mulch or finished compost surrounding the active core which protects the pile from heat loss and pests. I met the author James McSweeney at a composting conference in New York City and I have to say I think hes the Rain Man of composting! For the front of the bins, I wanted a strong, but attractive face of the ASP, so using a 14 lumber sandwiched between 28 lumber, we were able to create a cavity in which to slide composite Trex slats repurposed from a patio renovation to finish out the front of the ASP. Composting is a great way to help the environment and produce richly fertilized soil. But if managing large amounts of waste is the goal and it sounds like its not for you then either traditional or ASP composting has to be part of the equation. I recommend his system so please let him know I sent you! Why Are Eggshells Microwaved Before Composting? Am trying to set up a system for myself. The separated solids are stacked for transfer to our static pile aerated composting shed. Skip to content. I only get bigger and poop amounts increase. Components of aerated static pile compost : Blower Manifold Air plenum layer Active layer Biofiltration layer Blower: an electric blower (or timer) helps in inducing airflow into the compost pile by triggering the blower fan. Compost feeds the soil. Because I live in suburban Philadelphia in Zone 7A, producing consistent output in the winter was going to be difficult. For a multi-bin or pile system, you will need some fairly expensive on/off ball valves to prevent expending airflow on piles that dont need it at the time. To prevent this, an air plenum layer, often a simple layer of wood chips, is laid atop the perforated manifold. It can withstand hot compost piles and it has Bluetooth capability. In recent years, smaller scale in-vessel composting has been advanced. The Web's #1 Resource for Vermicomposting Information. The following components are needed for a home or industrial aerated static composting pile system: Anything you would add to a backyard compost bin can be added to an ASP composting system. Using blowers alongside temperature, moisture, and oxygen monitors to finely tune the composting process, positive CASP systems are ideal for all types of feedstock, including food waste, green waste, biosolids, and source separated organics. No turning or agitation of the materials occurs once the pile is formed. Like any pet, it can take some getting used to how to properly care for them. This energy is going to cause a boost in energy expenditure, not just in the materials to buy, but to run the thing. Cheers! Aerated static pile (ASP) composting refers to any of a number of systems used to biodegrade organic material without physical manipulation during primary composting. I have monitored and charted temperatures in my aerated bins on many occasions. With regard to complexity and cost, aerated systems are most commonly used by larger, professionally managed composting facilities, although the technique may range from very small, simple systems to very large, capital intensive, industrial installations.[1]. Great article. It is a good idea to feed the material afterwards to the worms. Aerated static pile composting is an effective method to accelerate and manage the composting process with much lower risk of foul odors. And I can tell youre passionate for the worms. ASP piles are easily monitored and the process can be managed by adjusting the blower timing to meet the needs of the large-scale vermicomposter. Pre-composting kills pathogens, releases heat, and reduces volume like normal composting. He is simply a joy to work with. The selection of above grade versus below grade piping has long term impacts on operational efficiency as well as near term capital costs. On a small scale, whatever floats your boat, I guess. Aerated static pile composting of municipal solid waste (MSW): a comparsion of positive pressure aeration with hybrid positive and negative aeration - A.A. Sesay, K.E. Aerated static pile composting is an effective method to accelerate and manage the composting process with much lower risk of foul odors. In my case, there is a single manifold splitting into 3 underground manifolds, each of which can be opened or closed with a shutoff valve. Advantages of this composting method include the ability to maintain the proper moisture and oxygen levels for the microbial populations to operate at peak efficiency to reduce pathogens, while preventing excess heat, which can crash the system. Its performance was compared with the classical aer ated static pi. Our designs focus on optimizing process control, which thereby: You can build or buy a compost bin for less than $100, but youll end up putting a lot of work into this system because it will need to be turned every few weeks but monitored daily. Ambient temperatures and weather conditions influence windrow and aerated static pile composting. This method is used in countries with a lot of rainfall, where it is difficult to get an aerobic compost pile going. a biofiltration layer, often comprised of mulch, compost, or even very expensive Gore covers. Livestock and equine farms have seen great success using ASP systems. The aeration system uses fans to push and/or pull air through the composting mass. Compost Covers Covered Aerated Static Pile Composting (CASP) Micropore compost covers are specifically designed for the aerated static pile (ASP) composting technology having the right porosity (7-12 cfm/yd 2 average) to closely match the oxygen demand characteristics of the organic feedstock material. However, aerated systems can dry out quickly and must be monitored closely to maintain desired moisture levels. At the heart of Western Composting Technology (WCT) is the Geelong-based Dickens family . This article outlines how to optimize your investment. Windrow Aerated static pile Rotary drum compost-ing Substrates Waste was chosen for Preferable for more ho- All sorts of waste, but those with reduced mogeneous and con- suitable for readily de-odor emissions, such as sistent waste, and the graded waste . I was likely drying out the compost with excessive airflow. Steve, And you definitely need more than 3 days of high temperatures. Resources to learn about PFAS an their impact on compost. After eagerly waiting for the aerated pile to cool down, we finally excavated it to an adjacent space for another round of heating before it can be screened . fantastic, rigorous article! The blended admixture is usually placed on perforated piping, providing air circulation for controlled aeration . This article is an introduction to aerated static pile composting and will discuss: And well close out with a description of my own custom ASP system at the Urban Worm Company and my own first couple weeks of operation before pointing you towards some helpful resources for learning more about aerated static pile composting. Advantages such as a means of . The compost in each subdivision is finished in 8-10 weeks including curing and finishing time. To aerate the pile, layers of loosely piled bulking agents such as wood chips, shredded newspaper are added so that air can pass from the bottom to the top of the pile. that is just one reason. If the pressurized columns of air escaping the perforated manifold piping were to come into contact with the active material, you would risk drying out several different pockets of your composting material. We have the expertise and agility to build, own or operate alternative waste treatment facilities in Australia. And it can do it in colder climates that might not be as conducive to year-round composting. In the context of vermicomposting, home vermicomposters do not need an aerated static pile in order to produce food for their worm bin. Aerated Static Piles (ASP) are a simple and efficient way to compost challenging feedstocks like food waste, biosolids and manures. just to add my 2 bits worth. Super cool Steve! ASP Seems like it could be an answer. No need for physical labor makes it a good option for large operations such as farms. The same blower control and manure sensory system used for the aerated static composting bins is also utilized with the large pile setup. (May, 2008). The wood chips facilitate even distribution of air during composting and absorb moisture that may condense and drain from the pile. The blower provides direct control of the process and allows larger piles. But you can monitor your ASP system manually or with a simple thermostat. While we were on the right track in installing the inline fan, we made two mistakes: we installed the fan too close to the ASP and we did not have a way to catch the condensate that formed inside the exhaust manifold. Aerated Static Pile or ASP systems have been the standard for providing aeration to active compost piles for over 40 years. Keep up with the great posts, Awsome Barry. Turning on the blower will cool the compost, removing excess biological heat while adding oxygen to the pile. HOW DO YOU CONTROL THE PROCESS? First, the blower sends air through the manifold. Then again, Im going to stand up for worms. 800.610.7291 Posted: over a month ago. Automatic composters come in a variety of sizes, range from $200 to $700, and have both indoor and outdoor options. Exhaust vents are drier ducts connected to PVC. My cost was of course higher than that, but this was the O2 Compost part of it! I chose the 3-bin option and with the help and guidance of my employee Mark, a retired engineer, we dug the initial trenches for the underground manifolds and poured the footers for the ASP walls. Yet I just built my own ASP. Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority Case Study, 5350 McDonald Avenue NE Bainbridge Island, WA 98110. On the suggestion of Michigan SoilWorks owner Dan Lonowski, we moved the fan farther away from the ASP and placed a PVC tee upstream of the fan with a narrow drain tube to carry the condensate away. And 4 Bad Ones, DNA Sequencing for Vermicompost: 23 and Me for Worm Poop, Biochar 101: Your Intro to the Manhattan of Microbes, a blower connected to a timer or to a temperature sensor which triggers the blower fan, a manifold to deliver the air, often with PVC pipe with perforations or holes to allow the air to enter the pile, an active layer, comprised of the base material intended to be composted. It is inherently simple but readily accommodates more sophisticated techniques when warranted. Compost needs to, Introduction Have you ever wondered why compost often seems to steam? Rigid or flexible perforated piping, connected to fans, delivers the air. As the compost process begins, temperatures quickly climb over a period of about one week, rising to 150-160F, as long as the moisture level is correct. / 206.319.7102 Smaller footprints result in reduced land costs, smaller leachate ponds and reduced paved surfaces. Well in my work in marketing the Michigan SoilWorks CFT, we often have potential clients who are thrilled with the idea of large-scale vermicomposting, but arent yet educated about how to handle large-scale waste before feeding it to the worms. The blower provides direct control of the process and allows larger piles. This is counter-intuitive, but excessively dry compost will become hydrophobic and will not absorb water. With regard to complexity and cost, aerated . I was composting turning my bins every week but due to work commitments I was unable to turn them and the bins would become anaerobic. If I wanted to have a traditional small worm bin, I could spend another 40 bucks and drill holes in a plastic bucket and keep them inside. Also if I decide to compost cow or horse manure at what point would it be okay for my worm bin? In large-scale systems, forced aeration is accompanied with a computerized monitoring system responsible for controlling the rate and schedule of air delivery to the composting mass, although meters and manual monitoring techniques may also be used in smaller scale operations. Compost Tea Brewers, Sprayers, Organic Land Care Supply, Compostwerks . Who has killed many goldfish by throwing them in a bowl and feeding them flakes? Reasoning: The monitoring, the timer, the blower; all these things require energy. yes i am going into the worm business, and yes i am building an asp system. Learn about the different compost cover options and how they impact compost performance. Worms create their own energy out of the food you provide them. Therefore, the investment cost of aerated static pile composting is lower, especially in the case of HCMC where land is free of charge. Hey Robert! Aerated static pile composting produces compost relatively quickly (within three to six months). Aerated Static Pile (ASP for short) is a means of composting naturally occurring materials rapidly by introducing air flow to the compost pile. Worms and dirt go hand in hand, or slimy long body in hand. It is concluded that only the automated aeration system can actually cater for the dynamic nature of the composting process. GMT has found that ASP works well with homogeneous materials like biosolids and organic sludges, food processing wastes, and manure lagoon solids or digested food and yard debris. Stuff, I mean tomatoes, potatoes, vegetables, and other things that are tasty and good to eat. HOW DO YOU DESIGN AN ASP SYSTEM? Should I keep the pile of manure at 150 degrees or so for about three days then feed it to my worms? These systems are fixed rate, variable rate and automated rate of aeration control. Its outside, hanging out on a raised garden bed. For something like that, look into the Kestrel Drop. This book has been an incredible resource for learning more about aerated static pile composting. See some of our cold weather deployments below, and contact us to learn more. The piles also can be placed over a network of pipes that produces airflow in and out of the pile using air blowers that can be activated by a timer or temperature sensors. I hate sending to land fill. Or the bag in a bag system. I also like to grow roses, herbs, and other things. With that in mind, lets look at a compost temperature to kill pathogens ( Temp guide lines). ASP is an aerobic composting technique. 5350 McDonald Avenue NE Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 That was a very informative article Steve ! And I didnt offer this as a judgement on whether ASP composting is better than worm composting. It can be a pretty concerning sight, especially with a large, Introduction Temperature matters a surprising amount when it comes to getting your compost heap operating efficiently, but a lot of people arent sure how hot is too hot, or whether their heap still breaks down when its cold. If your inline fan was at the exhaust from the CFT row cover- what would that do for/against the overall dynamic? This is usually done on a schedule such as 30 seconds of air on, then 30 minutes with the air off. On Peters recommendation, I purchased the plans, blower, and some manifold parts for the Micro-Bin. I made contact with Peter Moon, who is a rock star in the composting world and has installed projects, large and small, all over the globe. Me too! A large-scale operation with a multi-pile system can cost upwards of $100,000. The air passes through the plenum layer, diffusing it to the entire pile. The blended admixture is usually placed on perforated piping, providing air circulation for controlled aeration. The manifold is the piping that takes the air from your blower to the pile and will often have several points at which it branches for the purpose of feeding several bins. These operations tend to be larger and more advanced. Tarp systems can be used during wet weather to prevent saturation or to limit vector access to the compost. Static pile systems require less energy but more time than windrow turned systems. I have been looking to recycle hot compost dog poop for viable worm food. It expedites the process of decomposition, without having to wait a year or more like you would for anaerobic composting. Compared to traditional backyard composting, ASP composting is a little more expensive. Table 6.1. GMT offers two blower control systems that automatically regulate the aeration system using temperature feedback. First cover the pipe with some wood chips to distribute air and then carefully build a well mixed and watered compost pile six to ten feet deep and then cap it with a layer of old compost or wood chips to insulate and remove odors from the surface. As of the date of this writing, this method of extracting humid air seems to be working well. WA CC GREENMT852CS The combined liquids are ready for transfer to the Anaerobic Digester. Composting is or at least should be an aerobic process. No turning or agitation of the materials occurs once the pile is formed. The Aerated Static Pile (ASP) composting system we would like to trial provides oxygen by pushing air through the compost with a timer controlled fan and aeration manifold beneath the compost (see attached drawings). Owned by composting rock star Peter Moon, O2 Compost designs small scale systems like mine and massive systems used by my friend Francisco Niembro, who affectionately refers to Peter as Pedro Luna.. Utilizing 7 aerated static pile composting bays, the objective will be to compost and reuse 100% of the organic yard waste generated onsite to produce a high quality, nutrient rich product that can go directly back into our gardens as a soil amendment. RF TeleProbe Wireless Temperature Probes, Weve Got You Covered: Cover Considerations in Aerated Static Pile Compost Systems, Goldilocks Design: Build Your Composting Facility Just Right to Maximize Return on Investment, Excellent volatile organic compound (VOC), greenhouse gas (GHG), and odor control using site-built biofilters, Ability to process feedstocks at irregular loading rates, Discrete piles, or space efficient mass-bed or bunker wall configurations, Compact site footprint which minimizes contact water impact, Automated controls to record temperatures for regulatory compliance. These pipes provide controlled aeration and allow for a slow, natural decay process. This is the author's latest innovation, using a bouncy house fan connected to the manifold with an innertube to provide airflow under the compost pile. More traditional windrow or static pile compost methods by comparison may stall in cold winter temperatures. Great article. I own a small company collecting poop about 30 tons a year. This method is not efficient enough to compose animal byproducts or greases. The process decreases the composting . Manifold: a pipe or chamber that has several openings to allow air/liquids to pass through it is known as manifold. Compost materials are piled on top of ridged or flexible perforated pipes. To aerate the pile, layers of loosely piled bulking agents (e.g., wood chips, shredded newspaper) are added so that air can pass from the bottom to the top of the pile. They are in Colorado. Aerated static piles (ASP) offer process control for rapid biodegradation, and work well for facilities processing wet materials and large volumes of feedstocks. Thanks Stephen! Tough call. Natural aeration occurs when air warmed by the composting process rises through the pile bringing in fresh air from the surroundings. ASP's are simple because they don't require turning and require less than half the area of turned windrows. The manure solids are moved a static-pile composting bay where they will cure for 60 days. Well see! Aerobic composting is the process of facilitating the process of organic decomposition by using oxygen. When Should I Stop Adding To My Compost Heap? i am with steve on this, Hi Steve, I have done a similar set up because of grass seeds going through the worm bins. ECS applies composting science and best engineering practices to our equipment designs to facilitate process control and enable our customers to achieve low odor operations. But by interrupting the process near the end of the hot cycle, sufficient food value is retained for the worms without the risk of the organic material heating up again. Buying one of those fancy long standing beds on legs, which to be honest, is unnecessary. Especially poo from herbivores that then becomes worm poo. The major difference between the technologies is the amount of energy and labor required. The process uses a mix of organic materials placed on perforated piping. The last article in this three-part series focuses on covers. Just as a data point, could you share what the cost of the plans were from O2? Very cool. Our systems feature dynamically controlled aeration with a wide range of air delivery rates required to keep oxygen and temperature at Best Measurement Practice levels throughout the pile. At Barr-Tech, we employ Engineered Compost System's (ECS) aerated static pile (asp) composting system. I would enjoy a conversation with you. The pile is covered with a geo-textile fabric which is impermeable to water. Napa organics undergo an aerated static pile compost process. Air is forced through pipes buried in . As an affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Compared to my first efforts at other endeavors, this ASP has been an unmitigated success! Tumbler composters are another way to achieve this. Aerated static pile composting is a type of composting that uses a machine to aerate the pile and keep it turning. GMT has over 20 years of experience designing ASP controls and aeration systems and is available to help you build a successful ASP system. But hot composting using the aerated static pile method is the most effective means to stabilize large quantities of organic matter, especially in a smaller space. Also reduces or eliminates need for costly, high-energy consumption biofilter. So at the very least,learningabout composting was an imperative. Hi Dan, Sorry for the late response. ECS offers several different below and above grade aeration floors that distribute air through the biomass and are compatible with loading and unloading using front-end loaders. It is suitable for a relatively homogenous mix of organic waste and work well for larger quantity generators of yard trimmings and compostable municipal solid waste (e.g., food scraps, paper products), such as local governments, landscapers, or farms. Temperature feedback is the best way to regulate an ASP system. ASP or Aerated Static Pile composting is an . It allows the operator to set aeration rates very low (anoxic conditions) if conserving moisture and fan power is the highest process-setting priority; or higher to reduce temperature and increase drying rates. See some of our example projects below that use different ECS tools to meet customer Product Maturity goals. Youve got two different types of pipes, pvc and metal, 2x4s, 4x4s, plywood, electrical gadgets, and of course the 895 in plans. Required fields are marked *, Aerated Static Pile Composting: An Introduction to ASP. The circulation of air helps get oxygen to the aerobic bacteria that break down waste while producing carbon dioxide, heat, water, and humus. Steve, Your email address will not be published. 1. Ok thanks kevin m new jersey. There are four types of aerobic composting: Aerated Static Pile, In-Vessel, Aerated Turned Windrow, and Vermicomposting. The piping is connected to fans that circulate oxygen through the pile. We use a mix of technology and operational procedures to optimize process control and stabilization rates. Call or email us to get started. Aerated Compost, also known as Aerated Static Pile Composting, ASP Compost, and Forced Air Compost, is a form of hot composting which requires less maintenance. ECS is committed to helping our customers maximize composting stabilization while minimize capital cost. Figure 7.5 shows an aerated static pile process of composting. Thanks Steve! The probe is meant more to be an air probe although temperature is temperature and it works just fine for us. So again on Peters recommendation, I opted to install my aerated static pile composting system indoors in a horse stall in the first floor of my barn, which is conveniently adjacent to my CFT. For anyone who is operating at the community composter level and below, this blower/timer combo is likely to be sufficient. The CompDACS controller for PC interfaces and the WebMACS system for browser access from any web enabled device. Im excited to investigate further. And I assume that this dryness caused my compost to fall below 50% moisture content and cease the composting process as my temperature collapsed to 100F from about 130F in about 2 days time. So I opted to enclose my bins and rig up flexible dryer ducting to a PVC manifold which uses a sweet little 4-in inline ducted fan made by Cloudline in order to extract the heat and moisture generated by my system and push it outdoors. Using aerated static pile composting is a way of biodegrading waste. Green Mountain designed the 27th Ave Composting Facility in Phoenix. I adjusted it to 3 minutes on, 30 minutes off before actually re-reading O2s instructions which suggest 30seconds on, 30 minutes off. If youre interested in a mid-scale composting project or want to start a small composting business, then this book needs to be on your bookshelf! What is aerated static pile composting, you may ask. All process air exhausts through an ECS-designed biofilter. The design can be used for over 500 kg of organic waste, with minimal leachate, to produce a soil enhancer for agricultural fields, gardens, and/or forest land. Air is extracted via 4-in inline fan. If were being honest, its not green, expensive, and impractical. Solutions focused on highly mature final compost. The aeration system is designed to conserve energy with variable speed fans, and adaptive control strategies. Our below-grade Low Friction Trench and Sparger pipe aeration floor collect condensate/leachate, are plug-resistant, and are designed with ease of construction and maintenance in mind. I am considering starting a small (maybe 1 cubic yard or a bit more, as an initial experiment) ASP bin outdoors. It is suitable for small community-scale operations and very large ones. Just because a hamburger can be made in 5 minutes doesnt mean its the best hamburger you can get. I wish I had space for something like that, Hi Steve, Thanks for the article. The compost in each subdivision is finished in 8-10 weeks including curing and finishing time. So we know the excessive aeration likely dried out the compost, and we may not have started with enough added water in the first place, but we needed to fix the moisture and fast! The bio layer traps heat and odors and protects the active core from birds, rodents, and other vectors. Those are expensive and designed to take work out of the worms, or to keep you from getting your hands dirty. WHAT FEEDSTOCKS COMPOST WELL WITH ASP? Hey Niels, I dont know offhand, but Ill check and post here! Job Description. We get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. You can rely on ECSaerated static pile (ASP) compost systems to be an efficient tool to control odors and make great compost. The best compost, however, is worm poo. There is something that the worms leave in the process of processing the organic waste that makes it infinitely better for plants to grow. Covered and Aerated Compost Systems Covering compost piles with breathable fabrics can help reduce water needs during hot, dry weather, and may help avoid soggy, anaerobic piles during periods of heavy rain. -shortens the required retention time Costs. That is the control unit for the AC Infinity fan that I mention in the article. The compost in each subdivision is finished in 8-10 weeks including curing and finishing time. In the blower timing section above you show a photo of a digital temperature (and moisture?) We built up the bin walls using cinder block and mortar, ultimately capping the top with 28 treated lumber. Aerated Static Pile or ASP systems have been the standard for providing aeration to active compost piles for over 40 years. Damper position is automatically set by the control system. For around $200, you can purchase everything youd need to set up your own ASP composting system at home. The pipes can be installed in channels, on top of a floor, or included throughout the pile during buildup. Once you understand what each part of the system does, its operation is quite intuitive. Its not *that* loud, but could be loud enough to cause trouble if your neighbors windows are open. As this horse stall measures 12 x 14ft, I had to decide how I wanted to divide the space. In the end, they bring the beneficial microorganisms and the stability to the compost best regards, david. All Rights Reserved. Placing an ASP indoors came with challengesand we expected them! Lasaridi, E.I. What is aerated static pile composting, you may ask. It is best to buy the pipes with holes instead of wasting the time drilling holes yourself. 21 days or so? Aerated static pile (ASP) composting refers to any of a number of systems used to biodegrade organic material without physical manipulation during primary composting.The blended admixture is usually placed on perforated piping, providing air circulation for controlled aeration.It may be in windrows, open or covered, or in closed containers.With regard to complexity and cost, aerated systems . Once it is in operation, your ASP compost will do its job without any effort from you. This type of biodegradation system utilizes perforated piping to allow controlled aeration. Monitor Aerated Static Pile production system to achieve CDFA compost . Our state of the art 40-acre facility uses technology that is all natural, chemical free and reduces the production of harmful . It does not log any information though. We patented this and the Radial Aerated Static Pile in 2017. Perhaps utilizing a (raised bed) hoop house setup thats sturdy but removable? A 15-inch squirrel-cage blower was used to force the air through 10 static piles of compost, one at a time, for 15 minute periods twice a day. GMT also offers below grade piping systems that substantially reduce the labor associated with setting up each pile. The composting materials are piled on a wood chip base with perforated PVC pipe running through the base and a 1 HP air pump which works for 1-2 minutes every hour. Adolescent humor alert: For those of you who are familiar with dutch ovens, the bio layer is the sheet that traps the heat and odor. Hi Ben, I paid $795 for the plans which came with the blower, the timer, some of the needed manifold parts, a really good booklet about ASP. We are seeking a candidate with experience managing all aspects of composting operations including daily processing of material . Aerated static piles have been used for centuries by farmers to create compost for their crops. Horse manure takes a long time to decompose because it is usually mixed with bedding materials such as shavings, giving it a carbon-to-nitrogen ratio of around 75:1. It is easily scalable in both size and technology ( Table 6.1 ). At the same time, they are the most energy-efficient aerated static pile system (measured by air-volume delivered/unit of fan energy used) in the industry. In this article, were going to look at the different temperatures, and talk about finding the perfect. Hi Steve, What materials do you compost in your ASP system? 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